Overview
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft specific, independent aviation union. It is not an industrial union and represents only aircraft maintenance technicians and related employees in the craft or class in accordance with the National Mediation Board Rules and their dictates. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in the wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. (see our introductory brochure)

AMFA was created in 1962 but did not represent any carrier until 1964 at Ozark Airlines. It later represented Pacific Airlines, Airlift International, Hughes Airwest, Southern Airways, Northwest Airlines, Horizon Air, Independence Air, United Airlines, and ATA. AMFA's craft specific union now represents aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Except for negotiations under bankruptcy, AMFA has never accepted concessions, give-backs, two-tier pay scales, or "B" rate mechanics. One reason for this is that the local airline representatives, who are well-acquainted with their respective airline's problems, are at the bargaining table with the national officers. AMFA also believes in having its members attend and observe contract negotiations through its "open negotiations" concept. Although this is considered by many to be a novel idea, AMFA has been doing this in negotiations for years, and it has helped both sides to understand the problems and issues that must be resolved at the bargaining table.

Mission
To promote and protect the interests of our membership. To raise the standards of and increase recognition of the aircraft maintenance technician and related class or craft. To afford protection for AMFA members before government agencies and expand the education of members' rights and privileges before Congress whenever it pertains to the craft.

Contract Negotiations
AMFA hires professionals at the bargaining table to present and utilize their particular expertise. For example, in economic areas AMFA hires a financial expert; in the pension and welfare areas we hire a pension actuary. The contract language is reviewed by AMFA's legal counsel before presenting it to the company. During the course of negotiations, AMFA's legal counsel is present at the table or available by phone, fax, or email depending upon the need. Members have the ability to observe negotiations, which educates the membership and furthers understanding of what it takes to negotiate a contract.

When a contract is submitted to AMFA-represented technician and related members for a vote, the total package is presented. It is not merely a summary or highlights sheet.

Dues
AMFA current dues are two times your base rate of pay, excluding differentials and premiums. For example, if your base pay is $20 per hour, your monthly dues are $40.

Structure
AMFA has proven to be the only democratic organization for technical aviation professionals and is the most democratic union in the airline industry. All officers, from Shop Representative to the National Director, are elected by secret ballot and can be recalled by the membership. AMFA's structure is illustrated by this Organizational Chart.

Safety
Safety is the cornerstone of the pact between the technician and the flying public. From the beginning, AMFA has embraced safety by maintaining a leadership position at both the local and national level instead of relegating it to a "committee." Safety and Standards is an integral part of the Association, from industrial safety to professional standards to a fully capable Accident Investigation Team. AMFA also has a $500 fine protection program to offset the cost of a fine.

Membership
Technicians and related members vote on all major issues including contract ratification, letters of agreement, amendments to Local Bylaws, and the AMFA Constitution. They also have the authority to elect and recall all AMFA officers.

Locals
Local Officers and Representatives are elected by the local membership and can be recalled by the membership. A petition signed by 25 percent of the members begins the recall procedure.

National
The National Office assists the Locals throughout the system and coordinates the goals and initiatives of the Association. The National Executive Council hires professionals to provide CPA accounting, legal representation, labor relations advice, insurance/pension actuaries, and National administration. National officers oversee these professionals and report to the membership. Candidates for national office need the endorsement of only one Local to have his or her name placed on the ballot. National officers are subject to the same recall procedures as Local officials.

There is a misleading issue that permeates our craft and threatens to keep the focus away from moving forward if not addressed properly. Why isn’t the Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) classified as skilled labor, and is instead classified as semi-skilled, or worse yet, unskilled labor? What, if anything, can be done about it? These questions are consistently brought up by our members, and are a battle cry by some who honorably seek professional recognition for the craft. Recently, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) was made aware of an effort on Facebook to change this incorrect designation. As the union who faithfully promotes and represents the AMT, AMFA is keenly aware that our technicians work on highly complex aircraft and associated systems, requiring education, training, and government certification just to get started in the craft. The investment in these prerequisites, not to mention tools and other essential items, is easily tens of thousands of dollars or more. To be considered anything but skilled labor is demeaning to the craft and a slap in the face to the skilled professionals who comprise it, and regardless of the issue, AMFA will never stand idly by when our significance is challenged.